"The coward wanted to divide us, but he only united us more and more," said Abdul Aziz, a survivor of the New Zealand mosque shootings. "I wish all the world was united like we are here now. At the end of the day, we are all brothers and sisters. We are all sons and daughters of Adam and Eve. We are the same."
President Russell M. Nelson met with those impacted by the March 15 shooting, presenting them with a check for $100,000 from the Church to help their communities press forward. His message during this meeting was clear. “We are brothers. We are brothers,” he said.
“Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the world over were heartbroken when we heard of the deadly attacks on innocent worshippers in the Al Noor and Linwood mosques of Christchurch on March 15. Our prayers, love and support are with you and all others affected by these senseless tragedies,” President Nelson said, adding, “Looking ahead, should you require volunteers to assist in the repair and renovation work that will be funded by these donations, we would be honored to lend a helping hand.”
Imam Shagaf Khan said of President Nelson's visit, "When someone comes from overseas and shows his love for us, it is really heart-touching," he said. "We can feel their sacrifice."